AS birthday celebrations go it was a corker.

Elgar's Enigma Variations, Rachmaninov 2 and Don Juan from Richard Strauss.

Plus a brand new piece by 18-year-old Jack Pepper called Bourne Again, to mark the occasion.

This was an evening of the magnificent Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at its brilliant best as it celebrated 125 years of world-class music making.

There is a widely held view, from those in a position to know, that is all its time, the BSO's playing has never been better. Saturday evening almost certainly made the point. Orchestra and conductor excelled and a full house appreciated both the evening and what a privilege to have such a musical phenomenon here.

There was a little hand - or rather two big ones. The legend John Lill was soloist on Rachmaninov 2. He is a pianist, an illusionist and a magician.

He has played with the BSO in every season since 1966.